Burnley Council has awarded a three-year contract to Kingdom Environmental Enforcement Services to support the council in its campaign to help keep the borough’s streets and public areas clean and tidy.
It follows a successful 12-month pilot project with the private contractor which saw street patrols help tackle littering and dog fouling, the two main concerns raised by residents when asked about the issues that affect them.
The council agreed earlier this year to continue its enforcement campaign. A tendering process was launched after the pilot scheme came to an end which saw a number of companies express an interest in carrying out enforcement work in the borough.
Councillor Lian Pate, the council’s executive member of community services, said: “We’re delighted to continue our enforcement work with Kingdom following a successful 12-month trial.
“The last year has seen improvements in the cleanliness of our borough and we are determined to ensure that continues.
“Enforcement isn’t something we want to do. I’d rather we didn’t fine anyone for dropping litter or failing to clean up after their dog and in a perfect world we wouldn’t have to. Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world. We’ve tried other ways to persuade people to take responsibility for their actions but the problems still exist and we have to take tougher measures.
Kingdom will continue to carry out enforcement work on behalf of the council, issuing on-the-spot £75 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to offenders caught dropping litter and chewing gum, and failing to clean up after their dog.
Kingdom staff will carry out patrols and identify “hot spot” areas, issue fines and pursue anyone who fails to pay their Fixed Penalty Notice.
The enforcement work is self-financing with the costs of enforcement being met from the income from Fixed Penalty Notices.
Delroy McGee, regional operations director (North) for Kingdom, said: “Kingdom is pleased that Burnley saw an improvement in street cleanliness during the pilot phase. We are delighted to continue working in partnership with Burnley Council, helping it to achieve a clean and tidy town.”
Council streetscene and greenspaces officers will also continue to carry out enforcement work.
Joanne Swift, the council’s head of streetscene, said: “Time and again residents tell us that dog fouling and littering are their main concerns.
“People should be aware that if they drop litter, or don’t clean up after their dog, they will face the prospect of it costing them £75 It’s a lot easier to drop litter in a bin, or make sure you have dog bags with you when you go out with your dog and dispose of them properly.
“Most people are proud of their town and want to keep it clean and tidy.”
